WINTER EQUIPMENT NORWAY!
It is compulsory to carry the correct number of chains on board all vehicles of over 3.5t GVW during the winter period, regardless of actual driving conditions. This regulation applies nationwide.In the northern counties of Nordland, Troms and Finnmark the winter period is from 15 October to 30 April;
in the rest of Norway the winter period is from 1 November to the first Monday after Easter Monday. The authorities can make exceptions to these regulations.
Chains must be fitted to the wheels in such a way that there is contact at all times between the chains and the road surface, and must be fitted irrespective of the type of tyre.
Chains must be fitted to the wheels in such a way that there is contact at all times between the chains and the road surface, and must be fitted irrespective of the type of tyre.
At least three chains must be used on motor vehicles with a total weight of 3.5t, where one is fitted to the front wheel and two to the drive axle.
For combined vehicles, where both elements have an MPW of >3.5t, at least seven chains must be used if the drive axle has twin wheels. One chain must be fitted to the front wheel, one to each wheel of the drive axle and two to the trailer. Should the motor vehicle have single wheels on the drive axle or if double chains are used, then five chains are sufficient as only two will be fitted to the wheels of the drive axle.
WINTER TYRES!
For vehicles with a total permitted weight of more than 3 500 kg, winter tyres are obligatory during the period from 15 November to 31 March.
Since 1 January 2015, for vehicles with a total permitted weight of more than 3.5t, it is mandatory to equip all wheels, including wheels of trailer axles and lift axles, with winter tyres.
Winter tyres can be either studded tyres or so-called friction tyres (non-studded). These must be specially labelled M+S, MS or M&S, “mud and snow”, 3PMSF or «3 peak mountain snowflake» and must be specially designed for winter driving.
REQUIRMENTS FOR TREAD DEPTH!
For all tyres on all vehicles (both truck and trailer): minimum 5 mm tread depth is mandatory from 15 October to 30 April included in Northern Norway, and from 1 November to the first Monday after the second Easter Sunday in the rest of the country.
Outside the winter period, a minimum of 1.6 mm tread depth is mandatory. The requirement for the driver to ensure sufficient traction for his vehicle applies throughout the year.